Kent State Names Crawford as Dean of the College of the Arts

Dr. John R. Crawford, interim dean of the College of the Arts and professor of dance, will become dean of Kent State University’s College of the Arts, effective May 1, announced Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Robert G. Frank.

“After a competitive national search, it is clear Kent State is fortunate to benefit from Dr. Crawford's fine leadership of the College of the Arts,” Frank said. “We look forward to the continued success of the college, its faculty and most importantly, its students under his guidance.”

Crawford previously served as associate dean for Graduate Affairs in the College of the Arts from 2006 to 2009. From 1996 to 2006, he served as director of the School of Theatre and Dance at Kent State and producing director of Porthouse Theatre, a professional, summer stock theatre located at Blossom Music Center.

Crawford performed professionally as a dancer and actor with the Richmond Ballet, VCU Dance Company, Kings Productions, Busch Entertainment Corporation, Ann Vachon/Dance Conduit, Porthouse Theatre and the Leaven Dance Company. He has choreographed professionally for Porthouse Theatre, the Northeast Ohio Dance Ensemble and Dance & Company in Virginia.

He holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre from Virginia Commonwealth University; a master's in dance from James Madison University; and a doctorate in dance and dance education from Temple University.

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Media Contact:
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595